Cynosure

(3 syl.). The polar star; the observed of all observers. Greek
for dog's tail, and applied to the constellation called Ursa
Minor. As seamen guide their ships by the north star, and observe
it well, the word “cynosure” is used for whatever attracts attention,
as “The cynosure of neighbouring eyes” (Milton), especially for
guidance in some doubtful matter, as—

“Richmond was the cynosure on which all Northern eyes were fixed [in
the American war].”